This one is dedicated to Jim Ramsden and our 40th Reunion. It is not news to most of you that we lost our only classmate who served as a Professor, USMA (retired Professor and Head, Dept of Chemistry), on 13 Aug in St Augustine, FL. I will use the words of others at this point:
First, from Bob Shellenberger: "The class was represented at Jim’s memorial service in St Augustine on Monday by Abernathy, Galen, Hubbard and me. The service was moving and ended with a very touching eulogy by Jim & Rae’s older son, Jim. Don't think there were any dry eyes when he finished. He expressed some doubt at the beginning as to whether he would be able to complete his talk. When he took out the 3x5 cards, I knew he would be OK. Jim definitely lives on!"
And, from Jim’s roommate, Palmer McGrew: "At West Point, approximately 100 people attended a Mass and graveside service. The Mass was inspirational, even to this Protestant. I told the priest afterward that I thought he was marvelous. Excellent music was selected and sung. The contributions of all were very moving. I'll try to name all attending classmates with apologies in advance to anyone I might omit. From I-2, Daley, Dugan, McGrew, Morgan, Schwar, and others: Andreson, Roosma (G), Worsham. Dugan and I delivered eulogies. The West Point band played both before and after the ceremony, including ruffles and flourishes on three occasions. The band led all from the Catholic Chapel to the cemetery. Jim received a premier location in the cemetery, right next to Grant, although since I know there's a Grant's tomb in NYC, it may just be a monument. (Scribe addition—the NYC tomb is empty, Grant is buried at West Point).
"Jim and Rae's son, Jim, was the leader of his family and is so much a copy of his dad that it's scary. He delivered a wonderful eulogy, making everyone else's job easy. He said pretty much all that had to be said. I enjoyed working with him on arrangements. His quiet but firm leadership reminds me so much of his father.
"Rae is in excellent spirits for the time being. She was well prepared for this day, knowing for 8 years that it was coming, and expecting it even earlier. How long it will be before she starts seriously grieving I can't predict. I will predict that she could use some attention and understanding over the next months and years. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Please check from time to time to see if there is anything you can do (Scribe adds an AMEN to Palmer’s practical suggestion).
The 40th Cruise and Reunion is now covered by as many photos as my editor can manage with thanks to contributors Glenn Brown (F2), Joan Collins (C1), Phil DiMauro (I1), Palmer McGrew (I2), Sam Myers (E1), Walt Patterson (M1), Bob Rhodes (F1), Paul Ruud (D2), John Soper (H2), Bob Tallgren (M2), and Dave Turner (L2).
In closing, a few reminders. 1999 Ski Trip is being organized by Bob Moscatelli and Herb Johnson, 7-12 Feb at Keystone Resort, CO.
1999 Mini will be in the barracks at the Graduate Enrichment Seminar, 14-17 June. As in our cadet days, drags will stay at the Hotel Thayer. Jerry Mitchell, our OIC, will provide further details.
2000 Mini will be in Portland, OR courtesy of Terry Connell and his Oregon Bde of Paul Vanture, OK Hill and John Stone.
2001 Mini is tentatively set for Albuquerque courtesy of Mark Sigurski with help from Tom Claffey, Lou Prime and Jim Chapman.
2002 Mini is in early planning stages for Pensacola thanks to Ken Phillips assisted by his A2 company-mates.
2003 Football Season at West Point, our 45th, which Garry Roosma is planning already! With this lead-time, you have no excuse for missing this one.